NASA EXPLOERS TV

OSIRIS-REx, short for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer, is a NASA mission designed to explore the asteroid Bennu. Launched in September 2016, the spacecraft reached Bennu in December 2018 and began studying the asteroid's composition, structure, and history. One of the primary objectives of OSIRIS-REx is to collect a sample from the asteroid's surface and return it to Earth. The spacecraft is equipped with sophisticated instruments, including a camera suite, a spectrometer, and a laser altimeter, to gather detailed data about Bennu. The sample collection, known as the Touch-And-Go (TAG) event, occurred in October 2020, where OSIRIS-REx briefly touched the asteroid's surface, allowing a robotic arm to collect material. The collected sample is expected to provide valuable insights into the early solar system and the building blocks of life. OSIRIS-REx is set to return to Earth, delivering the precious sample, which is anticipated to arrive in September 2023. The mission aims to enhance our understanding of asteroids and contribute to scientific advancements related to the origin and evolution of our solar system.